Hannah Park, Pre Med, Class of 2022
“I began research during my fourth year at CHS, as a part of an upper division research course. I worked with Dr. Meyer and a team of other passionate student researchers studying the breast cancer gene, BRCA2. Because I thoroughly enjoyed my research experience, I continued this work extracurricularly throughout my fourth year and into my first two years of medical school. This work proved to be a valuable experience for me, academically and professionally, as I was able to learn the complex genetic basis of breast cancer pathology as well as how to work effectively in a team. My research experience has impacted my aspirations to become a medical professional who is well-versed in the pathophysiology of conditions such as breast cancer that may impact the lives of my future patients. Having an in-depth understanding the genetic basis of disease and being literate in current medical research are qualities that I hope to cultivate as I continue my medical training and incorporate into my professional career as a knowledgeable and compassionate physician.”
Sherrice Law, Pre Med, Class of 2022
The research courses offered by CHS, particularly Research Methods (COLL310) and independent research (COLL490b), equipped me with valuable skills for medical school and piqued my interest in clinical research. Under the guidance of Dr. Meyer, who was my COLL310 course director and COLL490b research mentor, I learned the intricacies of identifying a gap in knowledge, selecting an appropriate research design, and synthesizing findings with existing literature. My independent research with Dr. Meyer extended beyond CHS and became my first published work in the Current Genetics journal. Overall, these experiences prepared and inspired me to lead my own research projects in medical school – I am currently leading a systematic review on vitamin D prophylaxis and a qualitative review on insurance barriers to patient care, which I am excited to finalize and publish [in 2026]”
My interaction with the faculty has been amazing! All the faculty are easy to approach and show genuine interest in helping students reach their goals. They offered good advice and reassurance.
~ 2016-2017 PHPB CHS Student
Wonderful. I have never been at an institution where I have felt so respected and cared for. I look up to all of my mentors and am pleased I was able to establish a connection with each of the faculty as they are all amazing contributions to this school in their own unique way.
~ 2016-2017 PHPB CHS Student
All the faculty members are very supportive, approachable, and encouraging of our goals. They understand the struggle of applying to medical school and have been willing to accommodate individual needs consistently. I especially appreciate their generosity in accommodating my health circumstances and supporting me to the end. Whether it be for school or just to talk, they had an open door and that was something I really appreciated. They truly cared about my successes and always had my best interest at heart! So, thank you professors!
~ 2016-2017 PHPB CHS Student
During my year at the CHS postbacc I was able to develop multiple aspects of my application that allowed me to succeed in medical school. I was a bit of a special case in that I had already taken my MCAT and was satisfied with my score; what I really wanted (and got) from the program was to boost my GPA and add research experience to my CV. My highlight memories include small class sizes in traditionally challenging courses like Ochem that gave me the resources I needed to understand the material; being able to attend near unlimited office hours with Dr. Meyer, Valley, and Wostenberg; and receiving a basis in neuroscience physiology that set me up for our neuro block at CNUCOM. Apart from all the classes, what I enjoyed about the program was the friendly atmosphere: the students had each others backs, and the teachers would even participate in pickup basketball! Finally, the curriculum was flexible enough that I could do a research internship at UCDMC Infectious Disease Department, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Even in house, many of my classmates found opportunities for research. I highly recommend the CHS postbacc program for the aspiring medical student!
~ COM M2 Student, Previous CHS PHPB Student